Sundram Fasteners Limited has posted a net profit of Rs 31.06 crore in the half year ended 30 September, 2005 as against Rs 26.34 crore in the same period last year. The company has recorded total sales of Rs 577.79 crore with the export sales for the period increasing by 27% to Rs 155.33 crore as against Rs 122.23 crore in the same period last year.

The operating margins during the period were under strain due to continuous pressure on domestic selling prices, and steep hike in the cost of inputs, especially steel and petroleum products. The pressure on margins is likely to remain during the rest of the financial year.